50 Years of Caring

50 Years of Caring
A History of the
Arnot Ogden Medical Center Auxiliary
1953 – October - 2003
Arnot Ogden Medical Center
600 Roe Avenue
Elmira, NY 14905
www.aomc.org
This Fiftieth
Anniversary Story
is
written
to recognize
the thousands of Auxilians
who, over the years,
have given so many hours of
dedicated, enthusiastic and
creative service.
Table of Contents
Congratulations from Anthony J. Cooper ........................................... 5
50th Anniversary Celebration ............................................................... 6
A 50 Year History of the Auxiliary .....................................................12
• Mission....................................................................................13
• Early Fundraising...................................................................15
• Early Volunteer Directors......................................................19
• Fastest Growing Organization ...............................................21
• Discontinued Services.............................................................24
• Fundraising Gains Importance ..............................................26
• Community/State Involvement...............................................32
• Growth and Innovation ..........................................................35
• Awards and Recognition ........................................................37
• Current Services.....................................................................40
• Some Things Don’t Change....................................................45
• Proud Totals: Hours and Dollars ..........................................46
We Honor the Administrators .............................................................47
Recognizing Auxiliary Presidents and Staff .......................................49
Gifts to the Medical Center..................................................................54
Addendum – A History of the Arnot Ogden........................................56
Bits and Pieces of History.....................................................................69
Acknowledgements...............................................................................72
A Photo Tribute ...................................................................................73
Information used here has been taken from booklets prepared for the
Auxiliary’s 25th Anniversary and for the hospital’s 100th anniversary,
articles written for the 110th anniversary and from information given by
Helen Scollon, Director of Nursing/first Vice President of Nursing; Wesley
Blauvelt, Vice President Planning and Marketing and Anthony J. Cooper,
President & CEO.
3
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Foreword
With this booklet, we honor the foresight and vision of
our founders, and celebrate fifty years of
accomplishments made possible by thousands of
Auxilians. Our mission of service, financial support and
community goodwill has never changed, but the scope of
our activities and the character of our membership have
grown and diversified, expanding our tradition of
dedicated support for Arnot Ogden Medical Center
patients, visitors and staff.
cd
4
Anthony J. Cooper
President and
Chief Executive Officer
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AUXILIARY
You have come a long way. Fifty years old this year!
Much has been said this year about the remark made fifty years ago by
one of the founders of our Auxiliary, Mrs. Isabelle Whitney. She said
that ours would not be an organization for socializing. Our Auxiliary
would be dedicated to service! It was a promise that turned out to be
prophetic. And even in the deepest recesses of her imagination, Mrs.
Whitney hardly could have envisioned what you have become.
My admittedly aging Webster’s dictionary defines a volunteer as “one
who offers himself to a service of his own free will” and an auxiliary as
an organization “offering or providing help.” Obviously Webster’s
cannot envision what you have become either.
The average person would imagine that our Auxiliary is active in
fundraising for the Medical Center and in providing Volunteer hours to
accomplish small tasks. Would that average person even begin to
guess that last year you pledged $500,000 to our Capital Campaign for
the Schweizer Pavilion and provided over 87,000 hours of service? As
you read this booklet, I am sure you will be amazed, as I have been, at
the impressive range of services the Auxiliary has provided and
continues to provide to benefit the Medical Center, our patients, visitors
and staff.
My job, however, requires me to view more than the day-to-day
operations. It is part of my function, and my privilege, to view the
organization in a larger sense. Our Medical Center always has
endeavored to assist our community, to keep it healthy. For fifty years
you have represented your Hospital in our community and you have
represented our community in your Hospital. You foster the dialogue
that must be had if we are to be successful. Just as important as the
fundraising, just as important as the many volunteer hours, this function
that you fulfill is vital. And our Auxiliary is vital! You are every bit as
alive and growing today as you were on your birthday fifty years ago!
Congratulations on a wonderful half-century of caring.
5
The 50th Anniversary Celebration
It began with a tea. On October 3, 1953 women representing
seventy-three community organizations shared a cup of tea and
decided that a Hospital Auxiliary should be formed. It seemed
appropriate, in 2003, to celebrate fifty years with another tea. On
September 30, 2003 over 130 men and women met in the Petrie
Conference Center at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center to honor the
past and look to the future.
Large boards holding displays of pictures were placed throughout
the area. Tables held scrapbooks, memorabilia and even a
mannequin, dressed as a lady of the 50s, adorned with hat, gloves
and a fur stole.
A formal program began with remarks by Anthony J. Cooper,
President and CEO of the Medical Center. Ralph H. Roberts, Jr.
Secretary of the Board of Managers then spoke of the long
association of his family with the Auxiliary. His mother, Arinthia
Roberts, was a charter member and past president.
Eleven Past-Presidents joined us for the Celebration.
th
50 Anniversary Photos – by Victor Goldman
Presidents of the Arnot Ogden Medical Center Auxiliary gathered for
the 50th anniversary program. Front from left are Laura Peck,
Margaret Streeter, Patricia Powers, Ruth Bauman and Hazel
Robinson. Back from left are Virginia Atchison, Irene Hickman,
Irene Langdon, current president Margot Magnusen, Helen Keeton,
Helen Tobey and Marjorie MacPherson. Unable to attend: Lorraine
Nathenson, Jean Shull, Madeline Lipson
6
Special people were introduced, including long time members and
past and present staff. We were especially pleased to recognize
charter members, Mrs. William E. (Doris) Palmer, Mildred Haskins
and Marjorie Schooler as well as eleven Auxiliary Past Presidents.
Rep. Amory Houghton of the U.S. Congress and State Senator
Randy Kuhl sent letters of congratulations. State Assemblyman
George H. Winner sent not only a letter, but also a citation from the
NYS Assembly, which was presented.
“Celebrating 50 years of Service,” a delightful PowerPoint
presentation created by Sue Van Sickle, Manager of Volunteer
Services, highlighted our history and accomplishments.
Following the program, guests were invited to visit the displays,
enjoy a cup of tea and reminisce.
As people entered Petrie West, they were greeted by a scene of
classic elegance, with beautiful flowers, gleaming silver, glistening
china, crisp linens, as well as delectable sandwiches and desserts.
All agreed that this was an impressive celebration, befitting an
outstanding organization!
Helen L. Tobey, Past President, serves tea to Maureen Argetsinger
Many thanks to those who served on the 50th Anniversary
Committee: Roxanne Arnold, Pat Cole, Mildred Haskins, Helen
Keeton, Marge MacPherson, Margot Magnusen, Janet Renko,
Hazel Robinson, Chung-Hsin Shih, Helen Tobey and Sue Van
Sickle.
7
50th Anniversary - Behind the Scenes
We recognize with sincere appreciation all those who did so much
work behind the scenes … the committees that planned the event…
prepared food and beverage … searched through hundreds of
pictures for just the right ones … developed a program and wrote
the script … planned the display … set up the sound system …
prepared the PowerPoint presentation … set up the tables …
washed dishes, before and after the event … polished silver …
ordered flowers … wrote name tags … sent out invitations, the list
goes on and on.
We add a few pictures here to give you a look “Behind the Scenes.”
.
Preparing
tastetempting goodies for
the tea.
Chung- Hsin Shih
Helen Keeton
Margot Magnusen
Dee Overton
Jim and Pat Cole
place pictures on
the display boards.
Dishpan hands!
There’s always the
cleanup after the
event.
Margot Magnusen
Carolyn Smith
Janet Renko
8
Memories – A Retrospective
Doris Palmer, a charter member, tells us that
she was a member of a committee that went to a
hospital in Rochester to see how their Auxiliary
functioned. This proved to be a very helpful
visit, and they returned to Elmira with new ideas
and greater enthusiasm.
“This started as a very low-key operation. We helped people who
needed help and their families. When I look at the Auxiliary now, I’m
just thrilled at what they’ve done. They’re so important to the
Hospital. I don’t know how they can grow any more.”
Marjorie Schooler… Her father Sidney Hersch
set up the books for the Hospitality Shop.
Marge states that at first there was just one set
of books, for Auxiliary and Gift Shop. For seven
years she served as treasurer. When finances
were separated, she took over the books for the
Gift Shop and Snack Bar, and did this until 1978,
while Julia Luce took on the job of Auxiliary
treasurer.
The Auxiliary borrowed a total of $3,000 from the hospital as startup money. $1,000 of this was to pay the Association for the Blind
for the small concession stand operated for many years by William
Diefendorf. When he passed away the hospital suggested that the
Auxiliary take over this function. Marge states, “The goal of Isabelle
Whitney, first president, was to get this paid off during her term of
office, and this we did.”
Julia Luce was responsible for much of the
food brought into the Snack Bar and much
of it was prepared in her kitchen. Her
daughter, Vieva Iszard, recalls that when
she and her siblings returned from school,
they were immediately expected to
thoroughly wash their hands, then to chop,
mince, dice and grind food for the next
day’s sandwiches or casseroles.
9
Violet Poliseo (Vi) served for many years
as Secretary in the Volunteer office. She
tells us that there were only two rooms, and
that her desk was in one room, and
volunteer director, Jeri Brown in the other
… very cramped quarters. A section of this
was partitioned off to make a small office
for Susan Reynolds when she took over the
position of Director.
Vi was responsible for all the bookkeeping, and although everyone
gathered at her desk, she tells us that she enjoyed the people and
never minded the confusion or filling in wherever needed. She
states that she was always amazed to see that Jeri Brown could
somehow do about 900 things at the same time. She marvels at the
work accomplished by Lorraine Nathenson, Auxiliary President
when the Auxiliary was between Directors. She came in each day
and kept everything running smoothly … She was the right person
for the job at that difficult time. Fundraising activities included an
annual card party, which is no longer held.
Madeline Lipson – “The years I spent as a
volunteer at Arnot Ogden were the most
rewarding years of my life!”
Madeline was a member of the Auxiliary
Board, a Past President, and for many
years served as Treasurer. Then, as now,
volunteers were asked to help with a variety
of projects and Madeline was always willing
and able. A mathematical whiz, she used
her skills to help with projects in Dialysis
and Physical Therapy.
She prepared a government report on waste for Environmental
Services, did percentages for surgical reports and spent an
enormous amount of time tabulating volunteer hours. She
developed a system for organizing chart forms on shelves. Able to
write with either hand, she used that skill to write names in the Tree
of Lights Book of Honor. She also was an excellent cook and baker
and was famous for her Texas Sheet Cake.
10
Helen (Honnie) Keeton – I have loved my
work with the Auxiliary…the friendships I’ve
made…the fun we’ve all had. We used to have
wonderful card parties and big dinners. I will
never forget the hundreds of hours we put in at
Trinity Church where we were collating 4,000
copies of the “Cookie Collection.” I didn’t think
we’d ever finish that project. Serving on the
Auxiliary Board has been a truly rewarding
experience.
Honnie was the catalyst for the opening of a Thrift Shop, and she
never ceased working to reopen it after it was closed. She’s been a
hardworking leader, serving as President, Vice President of Events,
and Gift Shop Chairperson.
She deserves special recognition for the incredible job she did in
holding everything together during the difficult time when there was
no Gift Shop Manager. She is an inspiration to the Volunteers and
also plays a lead role with the Holiday Fair each year. Always ready
to help, she is instrumental in receiving new merchandise and other
tasks that help keep the Gift Shop running smoothly.
Mildred (Moonie) Haskins – “I especially
remember the Flood of ’72. Dorothy Schott,
Director of Volunteers, was unable to go to
her home, so she stayed with me for several
nights, or at least for the few hours each
night when she wasn’t working at the
hospital.”
“My job during the flood was to man the phones as a contact for
physicians and nurses, to be sure staffing was covered.”
Moonie is a charter member of the Auxiliary. She is still active, and
served on the committee for the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
11
A Fifty Year History
of the
Arnot Ogden Medical Center Auxiliary
Our story begins 50 years ago, in 1953. The Arnot Ogden had been
serving the community for 80 years. It had grown from a 25-bed
hospital to a respected center for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Antibiotics and other miracles of science developed during World
War II were being put to use, and the hospital was anticipating a
major expansion … the demolition of the original building, and the
addition of the A and B wings.
Hospital leaders recognized the need for a partnership with the
people of the area to help support the expanding range of services
and to help communicate hospital goals and achievements. There
was a great pool of women who had volunteered during the war
years, and this would be a group that would respond to the needs of
the Hospital.
At the request of hospital administrator Robert T. Jones and Board
President Leslie D. Clute, a preliminary committee was formed to
explore the possibility of forming an Auxiliary. The Committee also
had the blessing of Director of Nursing, Charlotte Skooglund,
described in the 25th Anniversary booklet as our “fairy godmother” –
a constant source of encouragement, she prepared the way for the
rapport we enjoy with the nursing staff.”
This committee headed by Mrs. Leslie Clute, along with Mrs. John
Brand, Mrs. William Palmer, Mrs. J. L. Kolb and Mrs. Maurice
Whitney met on September 10, 1953 and formed the nucleus of a
steering committee, which met on September 18, 1953.
Within a few short weeks, the group had established a framework
and invited 76 organizations to a Founding Day Tea. On October 2,
1953, 73 of those groups sent representatives, and they
enthusiastically responded to the principles set forth.
The Auxiliary was to be democratic;
a service, NOT a social organization!
12
The Mission of the Auxiliary was three-fold:
§
§
§
To provide conveniences for and assistance to patients and
visitors, thus relieving Hospital staff and personnel in the
performance of their professional duties;
To act as interpreters of, and good-will creators for the Hospital in
the community;
To give financial aid, when possible, to the Hospital from monies
earned in an approved way.
At the first meeting Mrs. Maurice Whitney was elected President;
st
nd
Mrs. Wilfred Price, 1 Vice President; Mrs. Charles Perry, 2 Vice
President; Mrs. Gerald Pierce, Recording Secretary and Mrs. Irving
D. Booth, Corresponding Secretary
Receiving the gavel, Mrs. Whitney and her Board accepted the
challenge, and they promised to start “moderately, and on a firm
basis.” Mrs. Whitney stressed that the group will be inclusive … not
exclusive … with no division or “twigs” or competing groups.
It will be ONE organization, dedicated to serving Arnot Ogden
Memorial Hospital.
This was an unusual philosophy, as many hospital auxiliaries at that
time had chapters or “twigs.” In these, Auxilians and Volunteers were
in two or more separate groups with totally different functions. The
wisdom of having one group, inclusive of all, has proven to be a wise
decision, giving our Auxiliary unique strength and purpose.
Today’s Auxilians are truly in awe of the accomplishments of these
early members. By holiday time a constitution and by-laws had been
developed. These were so well written that fifty years later they are
still in place. Only a few changes, appropriate to the times, have
been necessary, and they still guide us as we continue to serve
patients, visitors, staff and the community.
Note: All women were listed by their husband’s names. This
continued well into the 1980s.
13
Growing Pains
What a busy year this first one must have been! Finding a direction
for this new group; discovering the areas where they could be of
service; recruiting new members; opening channels of
communication with members, staff and community. Is it any wonder
th
that, in the 25 anniversary book, they called that first year “Growing
Pains”?
Service Opportunities
There was no difficulty in finding opportunities for service. Among the
first were Lobby Receptionists, Admission Aides, Baby Photos,
Knitting, Sewing and staffing the tiny Gift Shop.
Hard Hats and Tired Feet
In 1954, with the demolition of the old building and construction of A
and B wings, volunteers were needed to direct people through the
confusion. Volunteers served as hostesses and guides every day of
the week and gave tours when the building opened.
Volunteers performed
similar functions when
the D Wing, Falck
Cancer Center and
E Wing opened, and
expect to again with
the future opening
of the Schweizer
Pavilion.
Membership Recruitment Addressed
Word of mouth is always the best means as satisfied Auxilians recruit
others. In 1959 a slide presentation and soundtrack to tell the
Auxiliary story was prepared and shared with local organizations.
This was submitted to a National Hospital Association contest. As
stated in the 25th Anniversary Booklet, “While our entry didn’t win, but
received honorable mention, the effort was not considered wasted,
for it provided a valuable tool for orientation, recruitment and public
relations.”
14
Early Fundraising…
Boundless Energy and Dedication
It was in the fall of 1954 that the Hospital offered the Auxiliary the
operation of the Gift Shop and the Snack Bar. The Gift Shop grew
from a “closet” by the original main entrance (selling candy,
cigarettes and sundries) to a spacious area in the new B wing …
through several renovations and updates to today’s attractive and
successful Gift Shop, which in 1998 was relocated to the main lobby.
It’s an ever-growing business, thanks to the boundless energy of Gift
Shop Staff and the dedicated volunteers who work in the shop seven
days a week.
It was the dream of Ann Whittle (Gift Shop Manager from 1973-1990)
that the Shop be moved to the main lobby area. With the building of
the E Wing, it became a reality.
Betty Walker –
Gift Shop Volunteer
Much has changed since the original shop opened in 1955.
§
§
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§
Visa, Master Card and payroll deduction are now accepted.
Electronic cash registers, bar codes, scanners and computers to
track inventory and sales were unheard of in those early years.
Gift Shop buyer regularly goes to metropolitan shows.
Cases throughout the Hospital display a variety of goods to be
found in the Shop.
Fresh flowers are available, and flower sales alone topped
$30,000 in 2003. The Gift Shop netted $59,000 in 2003.
15
M-M-M Good … Home Cooked Food!
Quoting from the twenty-fifth anniversary booklet:
In 1954, taking over the Snack Bar meant long and arduous hours
selecting menus and learning the fine points of making sandwiches,
sodas, sundaes and GOOD COFFEE. There were endless
consultations about equipment and the mechanics of setting up and
training a volunteer corps.
At the time foods were donated by Auxiliary members, since there
were not yet cooking facilities. Sandwiches were made fresh, and at
this function, one of the volunteers, Mrs. Torry (Julia) Luce, became
famous for her egg salad.
Scheduling enough
volunteer help and
donated casseroles,
soups, salads, sandwich
fillings and desserts to
feed the daily Snack Bar
crowd was no small task.
The “home cooking”
brought customers from
all over town!
Mary Saxe
c. 1960
During the planning, Iszard’s store very generously loaned us the
professional help of their Tea Room manager, the late Mrs. Hazel
Arnot.
Department of Health regulations eventually brought an end to
serving donated food, and business considerations led the Auxiliary
to contract out the management of the Snack Bar. Now called
the Café, its relaxing atmosphere, tasteful decorations, waitresses
to serve, upscale entrees, desserts and selections “to go”, make this
a popular place to gather for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack.
Vending machines throughout the campus also serve the needs of
staff and families, and bring revenue to the Auxiliary.
16
Fundraising Efforts Expand
The Hospital had loaned money so
that this fledgling organization
could get started. With service
projects well underway, finding
a means to repay these loans,
provide scholarships and fund
equipment became a priority.
The Hospitality Cart (then called
a Novelty Cart) was soon rolling.
Magazine subscriptions, a Card
Party, Food and Bake sales as
well as income from the Snack
Bar and Hospitality (Gift) Shop
filled the bill.
Edith Horton c. 1960
Creativity Makes Dollars Grow
In 1956 the “Talent Dollar” project was announced. Each Auxilian
received $1.00 and was asked to increase it in some creative way, to
explore individual talents to “grow more dollars.” The 25th
Anniversary book reads:
Some very novel talents were revealed – one altered her
husband’s pants in lieu of a tailor; another papered her
breakfast nook. There were cookie, bread and furniture
polish makers; bridge and supper parties; sales of homemade cocktail tomatoes and mustard sauce; hand decorated
ash trays; a doll’s cradle; hand-knit stoles; and one woman
shampooed her own hair all summer and gave the saved
proceeds to the Auxiliary! The revenue from the project was
$1,864.57
Hi Ho … Come to the Fair
This all led to a Country Bazaar, “Ogden Corners Country Fair,”
held in October 1958 in the Clute Motor Company’s display room,
then on West Church Street, with volunteers selling their own
handicrafts. This was the forerunner of the Holiday Fair, an annual
event sponsored by the Gift Shop.
17
Today this popular event has moved to the more spacious Petrie
Conference Center, where delightful merchandise is plentiful, a
popcorn machine and “Tea Room” tempt hungry shoppers, and
holiday spirit abounds. The
setting is new and the
selections more varied, but
the personalized ornaments
and pecans are still Hot
items! Every year, in
November, a dedicated
group of hardworking
volunteers and staff make
this extravaganza possible.
An Evening with Danny Lipson and Friends
The first of several benefit performances by Danny and his group of
area musicians, who donated their talents, took place at the Elmira
College Emerson Hall in 1974. As often happens, volunteers recruit
their husbands to assist. Danny, the husband of Madeline Lipson,
Auxiliary Past President, loved to perform and was eager to help in
any way he could.
Over the years additional
concerts were presented
by Danny and his Friends.
A special benefit was held
as a preview of the
Samuel H. Clemens
Performing Arts and
Community Center
and proved to be
especially successful.
The money earned from these entertaining performances was used
as payment toward current pledges.
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Early Volunteer Directors…
Harriet Marshall named
First Director of Volunteers
1957-1958
It is easy to see why, in 1957, Mr. Jones stated, “The variety and
number of your projects has made it difficult to expand further without
full-time direction."
By August 1957, the first Director of Volunteers was hired. Mrs.
James (Harriet) Marshall assumed her duties, and immediately set
about to improve office procedures and record keeping; doing more
“on the job” training and orientation; interviewing new recruits;
scheduling services.
At that time, orientation consisted of a talk by the Hospital
Administrator, the Director of Nursing, hearing the Auxiliary “story,”
and a restricted tour.
Today’s orientation is much more extensive. Health regulations
require a variety of medical tests, and these must be annually
updated. A handbook for new volunteers includes a section on
sexual harassment. All volunteers must complete an annual
education update. Training in each service is ongoing.
In 1957 volunteers gained a permanent desk to “Sign-in – Sign-out”
to keep track at all times of those who were on duty. A formal record
of hours was finally established.
Mrs. Marshall was chosen as 1 of 24 delegates from across the State
to help organize the New York State Hospital Auxiliary Association …
now a part of the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS)
Her association with the Auxiliary ended with her resignation in
October 1958.
Mrs. Marshall died on August 11, 2003, just prior to our Fiftieth
Anniversary Celebration.
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Dorothy Schott –
the Second
Director of Volunteers
1958 - 1973
th
Quoting from the 25 Anniversary booklet, “With the Administrator’s
uncanny gift of finding just the right people, we were soon blessed
with a successor in the person of Mrs. Dorothy Schott, who at once
eased into this intricate job with scarcely a ripple. In addition to her
countless other jobs, we were never surprised to see Mrs. Schott
pinch-hitting in the Snack Bar kitchen or behind the counters – or
almost anywhere else where sudden blank spaces yawned up.”
Volunteers Meet the Challenge – The Flood of 1972
At times we are called upon to serve in unexpected ways.
Volunteers are on duty day-in and day-out, and they’ve played an
important role during some major disasters. The Flood of ’72 is a
prime example.
Dorothy Schott recalled in her article for a national volunteer
publication, that an Arnot Ogden volunteer grabbed her
smock as the flood waters approached her house and
hurried to the hospital at 6 AM, saying, "I thought you might
need me.”
Over the next week, volunteers provided coverage up to 24
hours a day, keeping lists, feeding workers, going to the
airport for supplies, comforting patients cut off from families,
helping find homes for evacuees, boiling water, mopping,
making beds and typing. No job was too big or too small.
Mrs. Schott concluded, “It was a tragic, exhausting but proud
time that demonstrated the strength and power of a wellorganized group such as ours. Volunteers met the
challenge.”
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The Fastest Growing Organization in Elmira
The SUNDAY TELEGRAM printed the Auxiliary’s first annual report
and called us “the fastest growing organization in Elmira … a group
that will never outgrow the demand for its services.”
They also reported that the Auxiliary “has done much to remove the
institutional air associated with hospitals.”
A Student Auxiliary is Organized
.Not all Auxilians were adults.
In June, 1955 a Student
Auxiliary was organized.
Made up of young girls, they
were named Candystripers.
By 1975 young men became
involved in the program, so the
name was changed to Junior
Volunteers. This group of
young people has given
thousands of hours of service
over the years, and continues
to be a big part of the
volunteer program today.
Corinna Barnes visits with a 4D
resident in 2003
In 2003, 69 teens gave 3,264 volunteer hours helping patients and
staff.
Cherry Chatter is the Name – Communication is the Game
In 1956, even with the many phone calls and media stories, it was
still apparent that another means of communication should be found.
From this need came Cherry Chatter, a newsletter that for the first
twenty years was written and edited by Mrs. Homer (Kay) Chapman
who also edited the 25th Anniversary Booklet.
This motto was adopted in the Cherry Chatter :
“What you SEE, What you HEAR,
Don’t take it OUT … leave it HERE.”
The Cherry Chatter was replaced by a newsletter called The
Auxilian, and the above motto continues to be a part of every
orientation.
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We Salute our First Male Volunteer
In April, 1962 a lone male volunteer
joined the Auxiliary. From the Star
Gazette, Feb. 12, 1963: “Jackson
Shoemaker has found that retirement
can be the beginning of a helpful and
useful life. Wearing a tan jacket, he
works throughout the hospital. He
spends most of his time shaving and
talking to the male patients. He works
no set hours, but is usually there from 9
AM to 1 or 2 PM, Wednesday, Friday
and Sunday. Since he started he has
put in 625 hours of volunteer service.”
For the most part, it continued to be known as the Women’s Auxiliary.
Mr. Clute proudly referred to this busy and helpful group as his
“Million Dollar Ladies.”
In 1990, the Auxiliary Board
in an effort to recruit more
men, was seriously
considering changing the
name, as Auxiliary, in many
people’s minds, denoted
women. Unexpectedly the
ratio began to change and
the Arnot Ogden Medical
Center Auxiliary retained its
name.
§
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1963 – 1 male
1987 – 28 males
2003 – 98 males
Two current male volunteers who put
in many hours:
l. Richard Sullivan, r. John Stewart.
22
Pinkie the Puppet Arrives on the Scene
By 1958 the sewing group
had changed. They no
longer were sewing
volunteer uniforms, mending
linens or making draperies,
diapers or dishtowels.
Instead, they were making
Pinkie, an adorable puppet…
a gift from the Auxiliary to
young children admitted
to the Hospital.
The Pinkie Ladies, 2002
In 2002 Pinkie had a brother, and Blue Puppets for the boys were
added. To this day, each week this dedicated group of volunteers
meets at the Medical Center, carrying on the tradition started 45
years ago.
Room Dedicated to Dr. Ross E. Hobler
The Memorial Waiting Room was established in 1964 and staffed
by volunteers. In 1973 the name was changed to the Ross E.
Hobler Room, refurbished as a gift of Auxilian Jane Hobler in
memory of her husband Dr. Hobler. Volunteers supported families of
patients in Surgery, Recovery, ICU and CCU and served as a liaison
with staff in those areas.
Today the Hobler Room has been replaced by four separate waiting
rooms, each staffed by volunteers, for Surgery, Same Day Surgery,
Intensive Care and the Finger Lakes Heart Institute.
The 35th Anniversary of the Auxiliary was celebrated in 1988.
Following a dinner, a presentation of slides, music and skits traced
the history and highlights of the organization… a colorful, stimulating
“Kaleidoscope of Change.”
23
Discontinued Services
The Auxiliary has changed with the times, creating and discontinuing
services in response to the hospital’s needs. Some that have been
put to rest include:
§
Packaging sterile bandages and patching rubber gloves was
a service in 1954.
§
The Stork Cart – in use from 1958 – 1973, was taken from room
to room and contained items for both baby and mother and
inexpensive toys to take home to other children. During these
years the length of stay was from 4-5 days, and children were not
permitted to enter the unit.
§
Library Cart – Service initiated in 1966. In association with the
Steele Memorial Library, books were loaned to patients.
§
Art Loan Cart – Service began in 1969. Art prints were acquired
and mounted in wooden frames for better durability. These were
taken to each room, and patients could select a print to brighten
their walls.
§
Green Thumb Therapy – To assist long-term residents – getting
them out of their rooms, providing some socialization as well as
occupational therapy. Families were encouraged to participate
… to include planting, building terrariums, seasonal activities etc.
§
Tours for incoming pediatric patients and service on the unit
to include washing doll clothes, repairing toys, and planning
parties.
Teens still wash toys and play with children, but trained Child Life
Specialists are employed to support and work with patients and
families.
§
Sewing smocks for volunteers, diapers, draperies, uniforms, dish
towels
Now volunteers make bibs for skilled nursing residents on 4D as
well as quilts and outfits for ICU Nursery babies and turbans for
cancer patients.
24
§
A Hearing Test for Every Newborn – 1968 – discontinued in
1972, when experts said results of mass screening programs
were inconsistent and needed further research. This had been
offered in cooperation with the Elmira College Speech and
Hearing Clinic.
§
Babies of the Month Posters – Small pictures of all the babies
born during the month were mounted and the poster displayed in
the lobby. Baby photo volunteers have always tried hard to get a
picture with the baby’s eyes open. Designed in 1974 by
volunteer Mrs. Peter Daniel, it was kept up by her until she
moved from the area. June Culberson (still an active volunteer)
took on this project in 1977 and continued until it was
discontinued in the 1990s.
§
Milk Bank - This began in the winter of 1976, and is probably the
most unusual of our services. Dawn Trimber, a baby photo
volunteer and chair of the La Leche League, agreed to recruit
donors and teach them how to pump and bottle the milk. Jeri
Brown, Director of Volunteers, recruited the “milkmen” to bring
the milk to the hospital. She received the milk, saw that it was
cultured, properly labeled and stored in a Dietary Freezer until
needed by select NICU babies.
§
Sit with patients who smoke in bed … one of the tasks carried
out by Jr. Volunteers.
§
TEL-MED – The volunteer office was a center for calls requesting
information on health issues. On request, a volunteer inserted a
tape about a specific health subject.
This was discontinued in 1994, at which time “Health On
Demand” was initiated by the Medical Center. Instead of a tape,
callers are now able to have a dialogue with a registered nurse.
§
Computerization in the O.R. in 2002 eliminated the need for
daily clerical volunteers.
§
Physical Therapists began doing inpatient therapy on the units,
eliminating the need for Physical Therapy transporters.
25
§
Maternity Receptionist in 1959 … part of the job description
was to “help distract the normal tensions of waiting fathers.” At
this time fathers were not allowed to be with their wives during
labor and delivery. How times have changed!
§
Alzheimer and Parkinson Support Groups
See page 40 for a list of current services.
Fundraising Gains Importance
While Service remains the number one priority, fundraising has
become a very important part of Auxiliary activities. In addition to our
longest running projects, the Gift Shop and Snack Bar, other fundraisers include:
§
LPGA Corning Classic
In June 1978, our Auxiliary joined six other area hospitals in
supporting the Corning Classic. By selling advance tickets to this
highly successful regional event, providing volunteers
and soliciting ads, we receive a portion of the receipts each year.
From the beginning, Arnot Ogden
and St. Joseph’s agreed to
cooperate and evenly divide
their portion of the proceeds.
The Arnot Ogden Auxiliary
has earned $598,577 from
this event since 1978. Funds
from the Classic now benefit 12
area hospitals and are used to
support women’s health care needs.
§
Tree of Lights – held annually since 1985
Lights in memory or in honor of loved ones and in celebration of
life are purchased for $5.00 each. The names of those honored
are placed in a book of honor and, as the tree lights are turned on,
they are read at the ceremony. With music by the Elmira Free
Academy Monday Night Show Choir and refreshments following
the ceremony, this evening is always a huge success. The tree
remains lit throughout the holiday season.
Donations in 2003 totaled $4,315.
26
For several years,
to give it a special
feeling, participants
dressed in
turn-of-the-century
costumes and those
attending carried
lighted candles.
A Living Tree Dedicated to Robert T. Jones
The Robert T. Jones Living Tree, at the main entrance of the
Medical Center, was dedicated in his honor at a special ceremony
in 1999. Members of his family and many of his friends attended.
Mr. Jones was the hospital administrator from 1951 to 1984, and
was instrumental to the founding of the Auxiliary.
§
Orchids and Candlelight – 1989
An idea for a unique fundraising event to benefit Falck Cancer
Center patients and cancer care at Arnot Ogden came from a
workshop at a HANYS conference.
Hosts would agree to
provide a dinner,
barbecue, brunch …
their choice. Their
guests would make
a donation to the
Auxiliary, and a
pre-party reception
at the Clemens
Performing Arts Center
would set the tone
for the affair.
(l - r) Rupa Shah, Susan Reynolds, and
Usha Shah
27
Would the community support such an event? Could we earn
enough money to make the time and effort worthwhile?
We were overwhelmed by the support. Fourteen years later,
over $400,000 has been presented in support of cancer care,
for the purchase of medical equipment, vans to transport
patients from distant areas, and funds for TLC2 (Twin Tier
Lifeline for Children with Cancer.)
§
The Auxiliary Thrift Shop
Opened in 1993 in a house on Walnut Street, owned by the
Medical Center.
With great enthusiasm Gift Shop Manager, Shari Hartley and a
committee of volunteers tackled this enormous undertaking –
cleaning and scrubbing until all was shiny clean - finding fixtures
for display - making draperies - soliciting gently used clothing and
housewares - sorting, pricing, tagging - designing signs and
planning publicity. Finally all was ready. An attractive and
welcoming Shop opened its doors to a very appreciative public.
(l - r) Shari Hartley, Lorraine Samchisen,
Ellen Park, Ruth Clark
Sadly the Thrift Shop closed in 1998 after five successful years,
so that the building could be torn down to make way for Medical
Center expansion.
§
The New Thrift Shop - 2000
Helen (Honnie) Keeton, the original Thrift Shop Chairperson and
Auxiliary President in 2000–2002 had never given up hope that a
place would be found for a new Thrift Shop. A Medical Center
owned house at 611 Hart Street became available. Permission
was granted if all zoning and safety requirements could be met.
Working with Susan Reynolds, Director of Development, logistics
were planned and implemented.
28
Would volunteer staffing be possible again? Yes it would, with
lots of new volunteers ready to help. How could the building be
made more accessible? What would they do about shelving,
lighting, racks for clothing, etc.?
Members of the community were very supportive. Local
businessman John Bouille supplied carpenters, electricians and
painters and supervised the renovations and ramp building.
David Rubin and the Panosians donated display equipment.
Once again volunteers painted, cleaned, sorted merchandise and
learned to work the new cash register in preparation for the
November, 2000 grand reopening.
(l - r) Irena Schaare, Eleanor MacRoberts,
Lorraine Samchisen, Peg Holden, Ruth Thomas
Customers, old and new, began to come in, all so glad that the
Thrift Shop was back in business. Thanks to generous donors
and Chairperson Eleanor MacRoberts with her dedicated
volunteers (some of whom are pictured above), the Thrift Shop
raises approximately $16,000 annually.
§
The Cookie Collection – 1991
Auxilians do love to eat, and plates of mouthwatering cookies are
often brought into the office. It only seemed logical to gather
these tried and true cookie recipes into a book and sell it as a
fundraiser.
No one even dreamed of the hours and hours of toil that would
go into this project. Enthusiastic volunteers … bakers, writers,
typists, testers, tasters, proofreaders, those who helped with art
and layout as well as the collating and binding of the book were
all urged on by Director of Development Susan Reynolds. This
required Herculean effort by all but the tasters …
They loved their job!
29
§
Gift Basket Bazaar – Begun in 1999
Various hospital departments, as well as individuals, prepare
baskets of all sizes and shapes, many with themes showcasing
their department’s activities. The creativity shown in their
preparation is beyond description. These baskets, often over fifty
of them, are placed on display for several days in the Petrie
Conference Rooms in the lower lobby. Tickets are purchased
and placed in jars next to the baskets a person wishes to win.
Drawings are held on the final afternoon of the display, and the
drawing has become a gala event.
One of the Auxiliary’s favorite fundraisers, it’s a whole hospital
project that brings volunteers, staff and administrators together.
As people leave following the drawing, they can be heard making
plans for baskets for the next year. In 2003 $8,145 was raised to
support the Auxiliary’s current pledge.
§
Baby Photos
This is one of the earliest services, but there is no comparison
between the days when nurses took the picture, and the
volunteer’s role was to deliver the photo to the mom.
Today, volunteers make presentations to the mother, take
beautiful digital photos of the babies, download them to a
computer, enter ID information, print a proof sheet for mom to
use when ordering, take the orders and keep detailed records.
If Mom wishes, the baby’s picture is placed on “The Web
Nursery” so that relatives and friends near and far, can see it
soon after birth. It’s a service our maternity patients really
appreciate, which also raises funds for the Auxiliary.
Joan Thweatt
As long time Baby Photo
Chairperson, she has adapted to
many changes over the years and
has been the primary trainer
for baby photo volunteers.
30
§
Special Sales - Vendors
Jewelry, Books, Linen, Leather, Uniforms, Shoes, the list goes on
and on with the Auxiliary receiving a percentage of the profits.
We sponsored an ice cream truck, a real treat for staff and
visitors. In years past, the Nutman sold specialty nuts and
candies in the cafeteria corridor.
1953 – 2003 … Fifty Years of Giving
Service has always been the top priority of the Auxiliary. While the
third statement in the Mission – to earn “monies” in an approved way
is not the main goal, as soon as loans for establishing the Hospitality
Shop were paid, profits went to hospital projects: The Auxiliary
awarded its first Nursing Scholarship, furnished the Volunteer Office
and bought nine new wheelchairs.
The Auxiliary, since its founding, has contributed millions of dollars to
the Medical Center. The total exceeds $2,600,000 as of December
2003. Proceeds from “Orchids and Candlelight” are dedicated to
cancer care, and the LPGA Corning Classic to women’s health care
issues. New fundraisers enable the Auxiliary to make larger pledges
for exciting new technology and facilities.
A list of gifts to the Medical Center may be found on pages 54 – 55.
In this our 50th year, the Auxiliary is proud to make our
largest pledge ever: $500,000 for the Schweizer Pavilion
(see page 67). The first payment of $180,000 toward that
pledge was made at the Annual Meeting in April 2003.
Janet Renko, Vice President Ways and Means and Margot Magnusen,
Auxiliary President, present a check for $220,000 to Anthony Cooper, AOMC
President and Donald Peterson from the Board of Managers. $40,000 came
from Orchids and Candlelight for the Falck Cancer Center and $180,000 from
various sources toward the pledge for the Schweizer Pavilion.
31
The Auxiliary has reached out to the Community in many
ways over the years. Here are some examples:
§
We first sponsored a blood drive for the American Red Cross in
1959. This has become an annual event. In 1975, the Arnot
Ogden Auxiliary and St. Joseph’s Auxiliary jointly sponsored a
blood bank. It proved not only to be very successful, but much
fun for both groups.
§
Elmira College students have come to the Arnot
Ogden since 1969 to fulfill internship or community service
requirements. The relationship is mutually beneficial.
§
Since 1971 volunteers have gone into the schools to present
poison prevention programs to young children. Until 1997 a
trademarked program called NO-SIOP (poison spelled
backwards) was used. As part of the program, students received
stickers to be placed on poisonous household items.
In 1997, working with the Finger Lakes Regional Poison Center
this was changed to a program using two little bunnies, “Twitch
and Twiggle,” to teach about the dangers of poison. Volunteers,
wrote the story, designed an activity book, and dressed two
stuffed bunnies. Volunteer presenters, with props representing
both poisonous and non-poisonous substances, go into nursery
schools, pre-kindergartens and kindergartens throughout the
area. There the volunteer explores dangers found in the
environment with students and teachers. Packets of information
(assembled by volunteers) are sent home with the children to
encourage dialogue and educate parents.
By 1999, a new story was written for the older children,
incorporating a squirrel named, “Flibbety-Jibbet.”
In 2003 Beverly Evans
and Marge MacPherson
made 174 presentations
to 3,214 children, ages 3-7
in 55 schools throughout
Chemung, Steuben,
Schuyler Counties and in
Northern Pennsylvania.
32
§
Health Adventures™ was offered in 2000, 2001 and 2002 to a
select group of sixth graders from Booth School. With volunteer
mentors, they met one Saturday a month for eight months, each
time exploring a different department of the Medical Center.
§
Assistance with the Children’s Miracle Network and the
CMN National Broadcast is a major project each year. This
involves computer entry, distribution of materials throughout the
area, the counting of money, helping during the Broadcast and
assisting with many other CMN fundraisers. In 2003, the
Auxiliary contributed $5,000 toward the final total of over
$237,000. All money raised is used to fund the needs of children
in the NICU, Nursery and Pediatric units.
§
For many years daffodil bouquets have been sold for the
American Cancer Society.
§
Volunteers help staff Arnot Ogden displays and services at many
Health Fairs throughout the area.
HANYS – the Healthcare Association of New York State
This organization represents not-for-profit healthcare facilities
throughout New York State, serving as an advocate for good patient
care and analyzing proposed legislation, both federal and state.
The Auxiliary has played a role in HANYS since hosting the
Rochester Regional Spring Conference in 1961. The Arnot Ogden
Medical Center is a part of the Rochester Region, one of six divisions
in the State. The Rochester region, currently including 16 healthcare
facilities, is then divided into three sections. In our area we have:
Arnot Ogden and St. Joseph’s in Elmira and hospitals in Corning,
Bath, Schuyler, Hornell and Dansville.
The Committee on Healthcare Auxiliaries is a vital part of HANYS.
Mrs. Leland E. Young, Auxiliary President from 1968-1970 was the
first representative from the Arnot Ogden to serve on the State
Committee. Lorraine Nathenson served from 1987 – 1989 and
Marge MacPherson from 1993 – 1996.
An annual state conference (for many years in Cooperstown) has
been very beneficial to the Arnot Ogden. “Orchids and Candlelight “
came from ideas offered there. Specialists from HANYS gave
assistance in the planning of the new lobby Gift Shop.
33
In 1994, a workshop was presented at the conference showing
VOLTRAK, a program we were using to computerize volunteer
records. Few Auxiliaries had discovered the value of computers, and
they were eager to hear what we were doing. In 1998, using a
kindergarten class from Cooperstown schools, our poison prevention
program was demonstrated.
NO MORE CUTS! Albany, here we come!
Studying pending legislation, state and federal, and determining its
affect on healthcare and reimbursement rates in each hospital has
been a major function of HANYS. The Auxiliary has played a role in
this as well … bus trips to Albany to protest proposed budget cuts,
telephoning and writing letters to legislators …doing anything
possible to support the needs of the Medical Center.
Volunteers helped represent Arnot Ogden at the HANYS Legislative
Advocacy Day in Albany March 10, 2004.
(l to r) John Stewart,
Edna Mae Wood,
Sue FitzPatrick,
Peg Holden,
Helen Tobey,
Sue Van Sickle
Advocacy Award presented to the Arnot Ogden Auxiliary
Each year HANYS
rewards Healthcare
Auxiliaries who have met
specific criteria by
presenting them with an
Advocacy Award. In
2003, for the tenth
consecutive year, the
Arnot Ogden Medical
Center Auxiliary received
this Award.
34
Networking
Networking with other Auxiliaries in our region is a major goal. We
get to know one another, share ideas (both successes and failures)
and learn from each other. In addition to regular meetings at one
hospital or the other, several luncheon cruises on the Keuka Maid
were planned to which all Auxilians in the seven hospitals were
invited.
In addition to the
state conference
and the regional
meetings, each year
a meeting of sixteen
hospitals in the
Rochester Region is
held. The Arnot
Ogden has hosted
five of these
meetings. This has
been especially
educational as rising healthcare costs have created the need for
hospital cutbacks and mergers. The contributions of volunteers are
needed now more than ever.
Growth and Innovation
In 1986, Lorraine Nathenson, Auxiliary President, suggested that a
directory would be very helpful to list members, and also to keep
track of the various activities and accomplishments of the Auxiliary.
The Board agreed that this was a good idea, and the Directory
continues to be published regularly. But in the beginning the
question was, how to go about it?
The thought of developing such a directory on a typewriter was more
than anyone wanted to tackle. It was time to enter the computer age,
and a word processing program called TTEXT was installed in the
Volunteer office.
Soon we had three terminals and were upgrading to Word Perfect.
Then the Hospital changed to Microsoft Word and we climbed
another learning curve. In 1989, volunteer management software
called Voltrak was installed and in 2001, we upgraded to Volunteer
Works. Soon computers were in constant use. Hours… Services…
Documents… Schedules… Membership Database… Education
records… Health record due dates… Birthdays and more.
35
Computers were not household items in the late 1980’s, and
volunteers found them threatening, afraid that they’d make a
mistake. When they were first placed at the Information Desk, many
volunteers stated
that they’d never
be able to use
them, that they’d
have to find a new
service.
Chairperson, Leola
Scaffidi rallied her
troops and in a
month’s time if a
computer was
down, the same
volunteers were
asking how
Information desk volunteers have adapted to
they could possibly
many changes over the years.
do their job.
The Ever-growing Campus
As the name has changed from Arnot Ogden Hospital to Arnot
Ogden Medical Center, so also the campus has grown. Volunteers
who once worked only in the main hospital building can now be
found in:
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
The Falck Cancer Center
The Health Center for Women
The Child Day Care Center
The L. D. Clute Education Building
The Thrift Shop on Hart Street
The Horseheads Medical Office Building
The Ivy II Building recently opened for outpatient
Dialysis, the Center for Wound Healing, and Arnot
Medical Services physicians’ offices. Outpatient Physical
Therapy will move there in 2004.
Auxilians Serve on Board of Managers
There have been changes in our organization as well. Auxilians have
been represented on the Hospital Board of Managers since 1974, by
Marge Schooler, Bobbie Young, Patricia Powers and currently Peggy
Streeter. The Auxiliary President serves on the Foundation Board as
a non-voting member.
36
Awards and Recognition
Appreciation of volunteers is ongoing and heartfelt. Staff members
are grateful friends, patients and families make positive comments –
this makes the hours spent at the Medical Center more rewarding.
Formal recognition has expanded over the years:
§
In 1957, an Auxiliary medallion, to be worn on volunteer
uniforms, was introduced. The inscription, in Latin read:
Unless the Lord is with us, our labor is in vain.
§
In April of 1958, the first award bars were presented to
volunteers who had completed one hundred or more hours
between October 1, 1956 and March 1958.
§
In 1969, the first Awards dinner honored volunteers with five
hundred or more hours.
§
In October 1974, a new Awards Program… At a special Awards
Dinner, 81 volunteers were honored with pins.
ο 500 plus to 1,000 hours – a pin with one emerald
ο 2,000 plus – a pin with 2 emeralds
ο 3,000 plus – a pin with 3 emeralds
ο 4,000 plus – 2 emeralds and 1 diamond
ο 5,000 plus – 2 diamonds and 1 emerald
ο 6,000 plus – 3 diamonds
ο 7,000 plus – receive a special gift and have their names
placed on a plaque
In the 1970’s, Madge Schaeffer and Kay Chapman earned the
highest number of hours ever to that date, with 6,000 hours each.
The Awards Dinner, now an annual tradition, is a very special
occasion. In 2003, at the Radisson Hotel in Corning, 43 new
Auxilians were welcomed and 86 volunteers received awards for 500
to 19,000 hours. The President of the Board of Managers expressed
appreciation and thanks from the Medical Center.
As Anthony J. Cooper, President and CEO, announced each award
he told with warmth and humor of the work accomplished by the
person receiving the honor.
37
Special Recognition is given to those volunteers who have logged
over 10,000 hours.
In the 10,000 Hour + Club
Madeline Lipson
Isabel Purdue
Ada Hague
Dorothy Koehler
Mary Ferguson
Leola Scaffidi
Marge Houghtaling
Muriel Stroup
*Lucille DeHaven
*Helen Keeton
*Marj LeHard
*Marge MacPherson
*Edna Sly
*Helen Van Hassent
*John Stewart
*Marian B. Wood
*Jeanne Gerard
*Ruth Rogers
15,000
13,000
12,000
10,000
18,000
13,000
11,000
11,000
14,000
15,000
12,000
17,000
19,000
13,000
11,000
20,000
10,000
13,000
* Still active; hours through February 2004.
Back: Lois Patno, Mary Battersby, Dorothy Koehler, Helen Keeton, Peg
Holden at 2002 Awards Dinner
Front: Edna Sly, Marian B. Wood, Marge MacPherson
38
Special Awards
The Ambassador Award – formerly given by the Medical Center to
an outstanding Staff Member, Physician and a Volunteer.
Volunteer recipients include:
Leola Scaffidi
Judy Wardell
Edna Sly
Helen Keeton
Marge MacPherson
Artistic Greetings, Inc. Award, presented by the Volunteer Center
at the Red Cross, chosen from nominees throughout Chemung and
Steuben Counties
1996
1997
Marge MacPherson – Volunteer Coordinator of the Year
John Stewart – Community Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer of the Month
Drawings are held each month for a Volunteer of the Month. The
more times a volunteer has worked, the greater the chance of
becoming that special Volunteer. Each one receives an Arnot Ogden
Volunteer sweatshirt, and his/her name is put on a plaque, which is
displayed outside the Volunteer Office.
National Volunteer Week – a very special time!
At no time do volunteers feel more appreciated than during National
Volunteer Week.
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
The office becomes a “garden” of donated flowering plants,
which are given out to volunteers.
All are invited to pick up a Volunteer Week gift.
Pastries in the morning, lunch at noon and “munchies”
throughout the day are all there to tempt a volunteer’s appetite.
On one day, volunteers are invited to a special luncheon
prepared by the Café staff.
Those working only weekends or evenings receive a coupon for
a free meal in the cafeteria.
Greetings, sometimes gifts and always thanks are sent to
volunteers from the departments they serve.
Mr. Cooper, AOMC President and CEO, and Medical Center
Administrators make it a point to stop by and offer their thanks.
A really super week!
39
Mr. Cooper often calls the volunteers the unpaid employees of the
Hospital. They receive employee discounts in the cafeteria and
have a parking area reserved for them. They’re invited to the
special meals given for employees and to the yearly Hospital picnic
at Harris Hill. They are part of the Medical Center family.
Just for Fun Events
Madeline Lipson, past president and dynamic organizer, suggested
a trip to Niagara on the Lake for lunch, a theatre production and a
chance to enjoy the beautiful flowers and scenery. Auxilians
eagerly filled the bus. This was so successful that these excursions
were continued for several years.
Over the years, Auxilians from St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Arnot
Ogden often met together. Just for fun, they shared a luncheon
aboard the Tioga Scenic Railroad train. On another occasion they
put on a crazy fashion show, complete with a bride, whose train was
an actual “toy train.”
Auxilians have taken trips to Auburn to see Broadway musicals at
the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, followed by dinner at the
Springside Inn and shopping at the Finger Lakes Outlet Mall. These
outings are very popular.
How We Serve … Current Services … 2003
§
Activities Program – 4D … Work with residents of our
Residential Health Care Facility in a recreation and socialization
program that includes games, computer activities, baking, bible
reading and more.
§
Baby Photos … Take that important “first photo” of our
newborns, enter computer data, handle orders and WebNursery
requests and explain the photo program to the moms.
§
Blood Pressure Clinic … Take blood pressures at weekly public
Blood Pressure Clinic in the Heart Institute.
§
Cancer Center – Care Team Volunteer … Provide emotional
support for families through personal and telephone contact and
assist staff with clerical projects.
§
Chart Assembly … Provide clerical support to nursing staff by
assembling packets of blank forms for all types of admissions,
according to master samples.
40
§
Child Day Care Center … Assist staff in providing a nurturing,
fun, stimulating environment for children in the AOMC Child Care
Center.
§
Child Life … Share in activities and give support to pediatric
patients and their families. Assist staff in maintaining Child Life
supplies & equipment.
§
Children’s Miracle Network … Assist with any of the dozens of
special CMN fundraisers held throughout the year, or with the
annual broadcast.
§
Clerical … Assist staff with general office work in various
departments. (Copying, filing, assembling, helping with data
entry, etc.)
§
Community Outreach … Assist with special events and projects
undertaken in partnership with other community agencies.
§
Continuum of Care … Visit specified patients and assist them in
completing the SF12 survey to collect data to help evaluate
patient outcomes.
§
Corning Classic … Help with advance sales, promotions,
recruitment and/or volunteer for the LPGA Corning Classic
tournament.
§
Courier Service … Pick up and deliver lab specimens, charts,
Central Service supplies, small equipment, paperwork and other
items as needed throughout the Medical Center.
§
Escort Service … Escort patients and visitors from the main
entrance area to their destination within the Medical Center.
§
Finger Lakes Heart Institute … Act as receptionist and escort
for patients (and their families) receiving services in the Heart
Institute and adjacent departments.
§
Flower Delivery … Deliver flowers and gifts to patients.
§
Fundraising … Provide assistance with Auxiliary fundraising
projects.
§
Gift Shop … Act as sales clerk in the Gift Shop and help with
other duties such as restocking and keeping the Shop looking
attractive.
41
§
Health Center for Women … Act as receptionist for patients and
visitors, give directions, answer phones, sort and deliver mail,
help with clerical projects. One volunteer with computer skills
gives advanced office support.
§
Horseheads Medical Office Building … Act as receptionist for
patients and visitors, give directions, answer phones.
§
Hospitality … Help with greeting or food service at receptions
and other events for the Auxiliary and the Medical Center.
§
ICU Waiting Room … Act as receptionist and liaison for visitors
to the Intensive Care Unit.
§
Information Desk … Welcome visitors to the Medical Center,
answer phones and connect calls to patients, give directions and
assistance to patients and visitors, sell stamps, assist clergy.
§
Knitters … Knit at home, baby hats, quilts and booties for
newborns and lap robes for 4D residents.
§
Mailings and special projects … Help with communications,
calligraphy, signs, surveys, research, etc.
§
NICU … Make afghans and outfits for NICU babies and other
specialized items requested by staff.
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Nutritional Services … 1) Distribute and pick up patient menus
and provide assistance to patients with menu selections.
2) Take Snack Cart to waiting rooms and departments
throughout the Medical Center to sell beverages and snacks.
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Pastoral Care … Visit patients and make them aware of Pastoral
Care Services. Friendly visiting with acute care patients and with
long term care residents.
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Patient Service Representative … Visit patients and act as a
liaison between staff, patients and families. Explain patient
rights, pass along compliments, provide simple services, identify
concerns and make referrals to help resolve questions.
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Payroll … Distribute paychecks and communications as
instructed.
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Pharmacy … Pick up orders, forms and returns to go back to the
Pharmacy and deliver medications throughout the hospital.
42
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Pinkie Puppets … Make puppets, pink and blue, for young
children admitted to the Medical Center.
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Poison Prevention … Present poison prevention programs in an
entertaining way in area schools for pre-kindergarten and
kindergarten children, ages 3-6.
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Pre-Admission Center … Act as receptionist and escort patients
coming in for pre-admission testing or for outpatient lab work.
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Prime Plan 55 … Explain this program of benefits for people 55
and older to patients and the public and help facilitate benefits.
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Print Shop … Deliver finished projects, stock supplies, and do
finishing work such as folding, collating, stapling, and cutting.
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Same Day Surgery … Act as receptionist for Same Day
Surgery, Endoscopy, Quick Care and Infusion Center patients
and their visitors. Serve as a liaison between patients, visitors
and staff. Facilitate communications and provide support.
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Special Event Staffing … Assist with registration or other duties
at special events such as Health Fairs/Health Screenings.
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Surgical Waiting Room … Act as receptionist and liaison
between visitors and staff in the Operating Room and Post
Anesthesia Recovery. Assist visitors in any way possible by
providing information, relaying messages and giving support.
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Thrift Shop … Act as sales clerk, receive and help price
donations, tag and display items.
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Time Out … Take appropriate patients and residents outdoors to
enjoy the park-like atmosphere of the Greenspace.
§
Transport … Assist departments in providing patient
transportation by wheelchair, within the Medical Center and for
patient discharge.
§
Volunteer Department … Provide clerical assistance to the
Volunteer Office Staff by typing, filing, entering computer data
and/or serving as Volunteer Department Receptionist, greeting
visitors, answering phones, and dispatching couriers.
§
Junior Volunteers … High School Students, age 14-18, visit
with patients, assist on nursing units, help with clerical projects,
serve as courier/transporters, and perform other duties as
needed.
43
In addition to this impressive list of services…
Volunteers help with special requests everyday. Do you have
retired RN’s to help with color blind testing for the nursing staff? Do
you have a volunteer to cover our phones during our meeting? To
accompany a patient on the van? To staff registration tables for the
Wellness Fair? To sit with a patient who is restless? To laminate
signs for Nursing units? To do a bulletin board for us? To cut strips
for the O.R.? To call these support group members? To play with a
pediatric patient? To entertain an E.R. patient’s children? To teach
a resident how to email? To witness a healthcare proxy? To make
custom covers for NICU isolettes? To escort student groups for our
career day? To hand deliver these reports while our fax system is
being upgraded? The requests are never ending, and our willing,
talented volunteers make it possible to fulfill all these special
requests!
Growth has been Continual
Service hours have increased virtually every year in recent memory,
thanks to the dedication of our adult, college and teen volunteers.
In 2003, volunteers:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Gave 87,367 hours of service
Made 1,781 Patient Service Representative visits
Escorted 12,239 patients and visitors from the main
entrance
Did 45,337 courier errands
Did 9,402 patient transports
Total Courier/Patient transports 54,739
Delivered 3,852 bouquets of flowers
Made 4,125 Prime Plan 55 visits
Delivered over 900,000 medications for the Pharmacy
Spent 3,227 hours with 4D residents
Assembled over 36,400 chart packets
Made $16,000 in the Thrift Shop
Made over $59,000 in profits in the Gift Shop
Answered millions of phone calls (or it seems that way)
Helped thousands of patients and visitors in waiting
areas
Knitted countless baby hats, booties and blankets
Worked at dozens of Children’s Miracle Network events
and served virtually every hospital department, even the
Printshop!
44
Some Things Don’t Change
We’ve talked a lot about change, but - thank goodness, some
things don’t change.
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§
§
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The strong administrative support we’ve received over the
years.
The incredible spirit of cooperation that enables us to
accomplish whatever we set out to do.
A core of dedicated volunteers who help in the hospital because
they WANT to be there.
Outstanding, enthusiastic leadership
Today, as in the past, people volunteer for many reasons.
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Newcomers look for ways to get to know people
Retirees want to keep busy
People prepare for the job market or keep busy while looking for
work
People want to exercise and be productive at the same time
Students explore healthcare careers and add to their resume
Many people simply want to help others and be of service
Members have discovered talents that they never dreamed they
had. Many have come to “give” but find they “receive” as well - the
satisfaction in knowing that they have made a difference.
The Auxiliary has come a long way from what our first president
described as a “homespun” organization to today’s professionally
managed workforce.
Fifty years ago, Mr. Clute, President of the Board of Managers,
referred to the Auxiliary as his “million dollar ladies.” That’s a choice
of words that doesn’t fit today … but it was a major recognition of
the Auxiliary’s worth to the hospital, both in terms of hours served
and dollars raised, and that figure has been multiplied many times
over during these fifty years.
We have seen many changes, it’s true, but we remain committed to
the same ideals our founders envisioned. We are a vital,
enthusiastic organization, built on a strong foundation and nurtured
by talented people.
45
Proud Totals: Hours and Dollars
Through December, 2003
§
Over 1,939,298 hours of service have been given by
Auxilians in the past 50 years.
§
Over $2,600,000 has been donated to the Medical
Center for equipment and special projects.
We’re proud of our history of growth and innovation.
We’re proud of our history of financial support.
We’re proud of our history of community and state
involvement.
We’re Proud to be Celebrating
50 Years of Caring
46
We Honor the Administrators
Leslie D. Clute
Became a member of the Board of Managers
in 1943 and served as President of the
Hospital from 1949 until 1973.
th
From John G. Copley in the 25 Anniversary
Book:
“Mr. Clute was during these years the motivating force that changed
the Arnot Ogden from its 1888 image and physical plant to the
modern active medical facility that we today dedicate to the welfare of
our patients.”
“Far from the least of Mr. Clute’s activities was the sponsoring and
the backing of the Arnot Ogden Auxiliary in 1953.”
“Mr. Clute was truly a “Man for All Seasons.” The Arnot Ogden
Memorial Hospital and its patient community will forever owe him
the deepest debt of gratitude”
Robert T. Jones
Hospital Administrator from 1953 – 1983
He was instrumental in the founding of the
Auxiliary.
The Auxiliary was invited to a reception
honoring Robert T. Jones on the twenty-fifth
anniversary of his association with our
Hospital. We quote from the “Cherry Chatter”
the remarks of Isabelle Whitney,
first Auxiliary President.
“One of Bob Jones’ most endearing and enduring characteristics is
his willingness and ability to relate to people and to work with them.
Always I felt his staunch and sympathetic support towards us, without
interference or meddling. His light touch and unfailing good humor
smoothed many a rough place during our founding and formative
stages. He is a man of many talents and the Arnot Ogden is a better
place because Bob Jones is there.”
47
Anthony J. Cooper
1984-Present
President and CEO
How fortunate we are to have this personable
gentleman as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Medical Center.
Very approachable, he seems to know each
volunteer and goes out of his way to show his
sincere appreciation of Volunteers and the Auxiliary. The growth of
the Arnot Health system and the continuing expansion of the Medical
Center campus are due in large part to Mr. Cooper’s vision and
leadership.
He speaks at Auxiliary Board Meetings and General Meetings, and
keeps us informed of Hospital needs and plans. He is a gifted
communicator, making complex issues understandable.
He is there for us, ready to discuss our concerns, and we can count
on him for honest answers. He is very supportive of our fundraising
programs, even to dressing in costume for the “Tree of Lights.” He is
famous for his warmth and humor, which is especially evident when
he is handing out Awards at the annual Awards Dinner.
Mr. Cooper with (l – r) Marge MacPherson,
Walt MacPherson, Janet Renko
48
In Recognition of
Auxiliary Presidents and Staff
Working with the Director of Volunteers and an Auxiliary Board,
these women have been the guiding lights of this organization,
leading with vision and courage. We salute them!
Mrs. Maurice Whitney
(Isabelle) 1953-56
Mrs. Wilfred M. Price
(Rowena) 1956-1958
Mrs. Robert W. Biddle
(Ruth) 1960-62
Mrs. Earle D. Schaeffer
(Madge) 1962-64
Mrs. M. Gloyd Kimball
(Muriel) 1964-66
Mrs. Leland E. Young
(Bobbie) 1966-68
Mrs. Kenneth L. Shull
(Jean) 1968-70
Mrs. Phillip G. Kelliher
(Connie) 1970-72
Mrs. Charles R. Bauman
(Ruth) 1972-74
Mrs. Joel Robinson
(Hazel) 1974-76
49
Mrs. Ralph Roberts
(Arinthia) 1958-60
Mrs. Whitney Powers
(Pat) 1976-78
Auxiliary Presidents (continued)
Mrs. Charles M. Streeter
(Peggy) 1978-80
Mrs. Daniel J. Lipson
(Madeline) 1980-82
Mrs. Thomas W. Peck
(Laura) 1982-84
Mrs. Alan Nathenson
(Lorraine) 1984-86
Mrs. Roger Christian
(Louella) 1986-88
Mrs. Walter MacPherson
(Marjorie) 1988-90
Mrs. William Atchison
(Virginia) 1990-92
Mrs. Lyall Tobey
(Helen L.) 1992-96
Mrs. Jervis Langdon
(Irene) 1996-98
Mrs. Charles Hickman
(Irene) 1998-2000
Mrs. Helen Keeton
(Honnie) 2000-02
Mrs. Margot Magnusen
2002-Present
50
Directors of Volunteer Services:
We can’t imagine how the Auxiliary and its volunteers would function
without the guidance of the Directors of Volunteer Services. As the
Auxiliary has grown, so have the requirements for volunteers …
detailed application process and orientation … annual health and
education updates … service descriptions, training and updates …
education opportunities on hospital-wide topics such as customer
satisfaction and infection control … mandated awareness of
emergency codes. The duties have expanded but the fun of working
with so many dedicated, caring volunteers remains this job’s greatest
reward. The title was changed to Manager of Volunteer Services in
1995.
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Mrs. James Marshall (Harriet)
Mrs. Dorothy Schott
Mrs. Henry Kaiser
Mrs. Jeri Brown
Mrs. Rhonda Morton
Mrs. Susan Reynolds
Mrs. Sue Van Sickle
1957 – 1958
1958 – 1973
1974 – 1975
1975 – 1983
1983 – 1984
1984 – 1995
1995 – present
Jeri Brown –
for several years had been
Public Relations Director for
the Hospital. She was
appointed Director of Volunteers
in 1975.
The 25th anniversary book says of her, “She brings to this
appointment a sparkling and understanding personality, an innate
sensitivity toward the ideas and problems of others, a listening ear,
and a respect for the concepts upon which we were founded.” For
eight years, she served with great distinction.
51
Susan Humphries Reynolds
Appointed Director of Volunteers
in 1984, and promoted to
Director of Development in 1995.
Working from a tiny office, the door was
always open to one and all. Creative,
always ready to try new things, we often
said that we were afraid to let her walk
down the hall, as we knew she’d probably
come back with an idea for a new service.
In December, 1995 Susan Reynolds was promoted to Director of
Development with responsibility, not only for the Auxiliary, and all its
fundraising activities, but also for the Foundation and the Children’s
Miracle Network and its broadcast. The location of various functions
was divided, but the organization remains united.
Sue Van Sickle
Appointed Assistant
Director of Volunteer Services
in 1987 and Manager of
Volunteer Services in 1995
Hired in 1971 to develop the Archives
Department, Sue moved to the Public
Relations Department in 1975, became Assistant Director of
Volunteer Services in 1987 and Manager of Volunteer Services in
1995.
Recruiting, orienting, training, and recognizing hundreds of
volunteers, adult, college and teen, while coping with the daily issues
that arise from managing over 30 volunteer services and endless
special requests in an ever changing environment, she shows
remarkable patience and warm understanding. She is never too
busy to meet with a volunteer or to discuss a concern, and she’s
always ready to give encouragement.
52
Office Managers
An enormous “thank you” goes to the Office Managers, who over
the years have done so much to keep Volunteer Department
operations running smoothly. They are in the path of all who walk
into the office, are constantly interrupted, and have been unfailingly
gracious and smiling.
Violet Poliseo
Karen McLaughlin
Barbara Kay Drake (Button)
Louise Smith
Mary Pelchar
Mary Pelchar
Louise Smith
Gift Shop Staff
As the Gift Shop has grown, so have the responsibilities of its
staff: buying; displaying; bookkeeping; sorting; pricing; training and
working with volunteers; the list goes on and on. These exceptional
workers are truly deserving of our highest praise!
Theresa Swain
Phyllis Switzer
Jackie Cole
Colleen Knapp
Libby Cleveland
Adele Reese
Pat Lane
Ann Whittle
Shari Hartley
Colleen Knapp
Phyllis Switzer
Margie Hoffman
Jackie Cole
Theresa Swain
Former Junior Volunteer Coordinators: Madge Schaeffer, Sally
Gapp, Denise Hayes and Snack Bar Managers: Leona Novitski,
Jean Reynolds
53
Gifts to the Medical Center
October 1943 thru June 30, 1978
th
as printed in the 25 Anniversary Book
Repaid Arnot Ogden Hospital................................................... $ 2,000,00
Repaid Arnot Ogden Auxiliary ..........................................................500,00
Small Cart .........................................................................................88.58
Baby Photo Camera ........................................................................173.70
Sewing Machine..............................................................................108.95
Large Cart.......................................................................................338.50
Waiting Room Furniture...................................................................386.90
Eight Wheel Chairs..........................................................................735.00
Child’s Wheel Chair ...........................................................................98.50
Office Furniture................................................................................264.65
Rumpus Room Decorated............................................................. 3,875.00
Artificial Kidney............................................................................. 3,433.59
Maude Holmes Room ................................................................... 2,803.55
Snack Bar Kitchen ........................................................................ 4,799.40
Display Case...................................................................................265.50
Cash Register .............................................................................. 1,625.00
Multilith Machine........................................................................... 2,718.94
Auxiliary Office Furniture....................................................................57.80
Projector and Screen .......................................................................187.38
Card Tables ....................................................................................146.00
Cesium Unit ....................................................................................30,000
Adding Machine...............................................................................172.55
Desk .................................................................................................75.80
TV Set – Pediatrics..........................................................................492.41
Blood Counter .............................................................................. 6,615.00
Max Cart ...................................................................................... 6,785.33
Art Cart ...........................................................................................310.00
Sound on Slide Projector .............................................................. 1,031.00
Picture Frames................................................................................291.84
Fetal Heart Monitoring Equipment ............................................... 13,421.61
Snack Bar .................................................................................... 1,683.74
Projector 4D ....................................................................................450.00
Organ 4D ........................................................................................200.00
Heart Monitoring Equipment & misc. ......................................... 113,770.50
Neonatal I.C.U............................................................................ 24,500.00
Pictures & Frames ...........................................................................261.97
Polaroid Camera – Neonatal ICU .....................................................119.95
Auto Bac 1 – Lab........................................................................ 22,500.00
Max Cart ...................................................................................... 4,830.00
Apnea Monitor Module – Pediatrics..................................................770.00
Parent Education Discussion Series.............................................. 2,500.00
Auxiliary ..................................................................................... 65,278.27
Nursing Award.................................................................................525.00
Nursing Scholarships.................................................................. 13,321.50
TOTAL 1953-1978....................... 334,063.41
54
Gifts to the Medical Center
July 1, 1978 – June 30, 2003
Tel-Med Equipment ...................................................................... $ 13,000
EMG for Neurodiagnostics .............................................................. 12,197
Cardiac Treatment...........................................................................30,000
Kryo Machine for the OR ...................................................................7,767
Echocardio System..........................................................................27,000
Refurbishing Dr. Ross Hobler Memorial Room..................................12,000
Cardiac Rehabilitation......................................................................30,000
Ultra-sound .....................................................................................27,000
Mammography Equipment ...............................................................74,500
Pathfinders......................................................................................25,000
Heart/Lung Perfusion Machine.........................................................20,000
Perfusion System ............................................................................70,000
Emergency Medical Cards...............................................................23,300
Upper Endoscope..............................................................................9,960
Small External Fixator......................................................................11,000
Infant Warmer ...................................................................................1,100
Pulse Volume Monitor......................................................................16,750
Breathcall/presscall ..............................................................................175
Landscaping....................................................................................12,000
Mammography Equipment ...............................................................69,750
Heart/Lung Perfusion Machine.........................................................91,600
IMC TV sets ......................................................................................1,545
Refurbishing Ogden Hall.......................................................................359
Radiation Therapy Simulator.......................................................... 270,000
Heart Institute & Women’s Health Center Van ..................................30,000
Treatment Planning System for FCC ................................................25,000
Refurbish 2B Family Room ................................................................8,461
Green Space - walkways,lights, fencing, plantings, seating ...............70,000
Same Day Surgery – E wing pledge............................................... 250,000
Gift Shop Computer Upgrade.............................................................5,025
Café Renovation..............................................................................11,450
Bone Densitometry..........................................................................23,247
3D Conformal Radiation Treatment Planning System...................... 229,950
Mobile Mini C-Arm X-ray..................................................................58,362
Falck Cancer Center – 4 Patient Vans............................................ 163,888
Occupational Medicine Support........................................................20,000
Penrad Mammography Machine ......................................................40,000
Dialysis Machine .............................................................................17,500
Neurodiagnostics OR Monitor ..........................................................62,500
Fetal Monitors and Simulator for NICU .............................................37,100
Lymphodema Program for Health Center for Women........................34,444
Falck Cancer Center........................................................................40,000
First payment on $500,000 pledge for Pavilion Project.................... 180,000
School of Nursing/Radiologic Tech. Students Scholarships...............50,000
Isabelle Whitney Award/Outstanding Nursing School Senior ...............1,300
Children’s Miracle Network ..............................................................19,500
Awards to Junior Volunteers ....................................................... _____300
TOTAL 1953-1978 $334,063
1978-2003..................... $2,269,030
1953-2003..................... $2,603,093
55
Addendum
A History of the Arnot Ogden Medical Center
It has been said that to understand the present and future, one must
understand the past. To this end, we add this section so that
Auxilians will share the pride of those who have brought this Medical
Center so far.
What conditions for healthcare in the Elmira area led to the founding
of the Arnot Ogden Hospital?
1864 – Three years after the start of the Civil War, Elmira’s
Prison Camp is established. Poor sanitation, disease and
shortage of medication result in death and disability,
pointing to a need for better healthcare.
1866 – Elmira becomes a railroad boomtown. Depots
bustle with trade. When accidents occur, surgery is
performed in boxcars. Conditions confirm a need for
organized medical care.
1871 – Elmira Academy of Medicine seeks to build Elmira’s
first general hospital. Unstable economy thwarts
fundraising. Drs. William Wey, Truman Squires and Patrick
Flood remain determined to complete the project.
Who provided the funds for the three doctors who opened the
Hospital?
Marianna Arnot Ogden
donated $75,000 to
honor her late husband,
William B. Ogden,
her family and
Dr. William Wey,
her personal physician.
When was the first Board Meeting held?
A group met in March 1888 at the home of Matthias Arnot,
now the Arnot Art Museum.
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In what year was the Arnot Ogden opened?
In 1888, Marianna Arnot Ogden turned the facility over to
the Board. Benefactors and Board Members had a great
deal of power, including the ability to admit patients.
When was the first patient admitted?
On December 20, 1888 the new 25-bed Hospital opened.
th
The first patient was admitted on December 24 .
How long was the first patient in the Hospital and what was the
diagnosis?
Ella B was admitted on Christmas Eve and was a patient for
100 days. The diagnosis… dysmenorrhea… or painful
periods. When discharged she was pronounced cured.
How large was the staff when the hospital opened?
Seven physicians and two nurses
Recruitment of nurses could not meet the need, so, in
September 1889 the School of Nursing was founded to
provide well-trained nurses for the hospital.
What were the qualifications of nurses in the early years?
(As described by Helen Scollon, VP Nursing, Retired)
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Should be plain, not too attractive
Not too intelligent
Must go to church on Sunday
Must always wear hat and gloves when out in public
Remain subservient to physicians, not to question.
Who were the “Lady Visitors?”
Twelve “Lady Visitors”
were entrusted with
supervision of hospital
cleanliness and
enforcement of rules.
These ladies were from
the power-elite, and
ruled with an iron hand.
They served from 1888
until 1918, when trained
healthcare professionals
took over their duties.
57
The first operating room was not opened until 1892. Where were
operations done prior to that time?
While many surgeries were done in the home, operations in
the Hospital were performed in the corridor outside patient
rooms. This continued until patients complained so much
that an operating room was set aside for this purpose.
What outstanding woman doctor became part of the staff in 1907,
asked that she not be paid, then stayed on for 26 years?
Dr. Anna Stuart
established the
pediatric department,
established the lab
and initiated the first
use of anesthesia.
Arnot Ogden has often been first in the State and the nation in
terms of healthcare. What are some of these firsts?
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1st Recovery Room in New York State.
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1st Intensive Care Unit in New York State.
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1st in the area to implement electronic patient
monitoring.
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One of the 1st X-ray machines in the nation,
purchased for the Hospital two years after its invention, by
Matthias Arnot. Dr. Loop, studying at Buffalo’s advanced
teaching facility, was amazed to find X-ray technology in
Elmira and not in Buffalo.
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1st kidney dialysis unit in the area, established in 1969.
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1st Radiation therapy service in the region.
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1st mobile intensive care unit (said to be the first east of
the Mississippi). The Shockmobile, developed at Arnot
Ogden, is capable of emergency life support and radio
transmission of electronically monitored patient data to Arnot
Ogden base while enroute for emergency care. Dr. William
Nowill and Miss Helen Scollon, who at the time was Director
of Nursing, developed the Shockmobile and trained all area
paramedics in its use.
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The Early Years: 1870-1900
The Victorian Age opened full of promise and potential. Anesthetics
and antiseptics came to the surgical suite, battling the discomfort of
pain and the deadly risk of infection. From the working to the
wealthy, people took pride in their brand new hospital, but still
preferred not to use it. Earning the trust and respect of the
population while dispelling the stigma that hospital care was only for
the poor were the challenges all community healthcare facilities
faced.
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1887 – Marianna Arnot Ogden donates $75,000 for the building
of the Hospital.
1888 – Arnot Ogden Hospital accepts its first patient.
1888 – Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital formally incorporates,
beginning organized medical care in the Southern Tier. The
Board of Managers is formed with Matthias Arnot as its first
president. Twelve “Lady Visitors” are entrusted with the
supervision of hospital cleanliness and enforcement of rules.
1888 – Aspirin is first used to help with pain.
1889 – The School of Nursing opens to provide well-trained
nurses for the Hospital.
1890 – After construction of the first operating room, a twelvebed men’s surgical ward is added. Public still distrusts surgery,
viewing it as a last resort.
1890 – A seven-bed isolation cottage is added to care for
patients with contagious diseases while protecting those in the
hospital.
1894 – The first horse-drawn ambulance, purchased for $590, is
kept at Jones Livery Stable on Market Street when it isn’t in use.
1897 – Responding to medical innovation, complete
X-ray apparatus is donated to the Arnot by Matthias Arnot.
1900 – A twenty-bed women’s surgical ward is added.
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Turning Point: 1901-1920
World War I era brought the turning point that hospitals needed.
Medicine became a healing as well as a caring science. Surgeons
offered patients a wider range of treatments. The threat of infection
had lessened. Surgical admissions rose. Finally, hospitals gained
public attention as centers for medical diagnosis and treatment …
the stigma of the past would fade forever.
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1901 – Expansion includes a Central Wing, adding maternity
and children’s wards, offices & quarters for nurses and staff.
1903 – Marianna Arnot Ogden purchases additional
X-ray equipment.
1904 – Death of Marianna Arnot Ogden.
1905 – Surgical admissions rise. The operating room is
renovated to include the most up-to-date equipment for
antiseptic surgery and anesthesia.
1905 – The School of Nursing is registered by the New York
State Regents.
1907 – Dr. Anna Stuart organizes and opens Arnot Ogden’s
Clinical Laboratory.
1908 – An intern program begins, establishing the hospital as a
trusted clinical setting for medical education.
1913 – Fanny Arnot Haven donates funds for living quarters to
house 50 student nurses.
1917 – World War I calls many physicians and nurses to
service.
1918 – A major epidemic of Spanish influenza claims 20 million
lives worldwide – 134 victims die in Elmira, overwhelming the
hospital at a time when many staff members are still serving in
the military.
1918 – The “Lady Visitors” disband.
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First Major Expansion: 1921-1940
These were the best of times and the worst of times. In the midst of
prosperity, the first public appeal for building funds exceeded all
expectations. The very next year, the Crash of ’29 shattered
dreams. Tuberculosis continued to cripple victims. Medicine
struggled to find a cure. The demand for patient care grew steadily
and was accommodated by Arnot Ogden’s new building. With the
advent of Blue Cross coverage, the demand rose sharply as
hospital care became accessible to all.
The Completed 1926 building
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1924 – The School of Nursing affiliates with Elmira College,
offering a 5-year program for a nursing diploma and a BS
degree.
1925 - the Nurse’s residence doubles in size to accommodate
100 students.
1926 – Ground is broken for the 1926 building. The tradition of
having a member of Mrs. Ogden’s family mortar the cornerstone
is established.
1928 - A tuberculosis screening clinic and the new West Wing
(now the C-Wing) are opened.
1930 – Hydrotherapy treatment is added to services offered by
the Physical Therapy Department.
1931 – The hospital reduces room rates to help people afford
care during The Great Depression.
1934- The Wey Memorial Library is established.
1938 – Electroshock therapy is introduced for the treatment of
the mentally ill.
61
Second Major Expansion: 1941-1960
Wartime once again brought a dramatic turning point to medicine.
As doctors and nurses left Arnot Ogden for the World War II fronts,
hospital progress ground to a standstill. Red Cross volunteers
joined the remaining staff to provide patient care. When the war
years ended, medical professionals returned with a wealth of
incredible knowledge. Startling advances would come in medical
science – one after another…Antibiotics; other miracle drugs;
Intensive care; Polio vaccines; Brain and chest surgery; and
Radiotracers. The Atomic Age gave radiologists and pathologists
injectable dyes that unlocked the secrets of the body’s interior.
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1941 – Arnot Ogden nurses & physicians leave to serve in
World War II.
1942 – Wartime halts the joint Elmira College/Arnot Ogden
School of Nursing program.
1944 – A polio epidemic stretches hospital staff to its limits as
they treat most of Elmira’s 215 cases. The epidemic ends in
1953. Red Cross Volunteers join hospital staff to provide
patient care.
1950 – Rules of personal conduct are liberalized, and student
nurses can marry. Two more decades pass before men are
enrolled in the nursing school.
1952 - $1.5 million is raised in the community to replace the
remaining 1888 buildings and modernize the newer structure.
1953 – The Arnot Ogden Auxiliary officially forms to provide
volunteer services.
1953 – The School of Radiologic Technology begins.
1954 – Groundbreaking for A & B-Wings is held.
1955 – Construction of A & B-Wings is completed.
1956 – Arnot Ogden purchases its first cardiac monitor. The
first Recovery Room in New York State opens at the hospital
along with a new operating room suite.
1957 - The School of Nursing adds a new Price Hall residence,
(later called Ogden-Price Hall) increasing housing capacity to
119 students.
1958 - The first Intensive Care Unit in NYS is opened at the
Arnot Ogden, and a 4th floor is added to the 1954 building.
1960 - The capacity of the Arnot Ogden has increased from its
opening by more than tenfold … from 25 beds to 254.
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Emergence of a Medical Center: 1961-1980
The scientific advances that came first with the Korean War, then
with Vietnam and the space age, brought computerization,
advanced monitoring capability and telemetry to medicine, further
refining the progress of medical specialties. As a population, we
came to expect highly technical specialized care. There came a
groundswell calling for reduction of healthcare costs. Arnot Ogden
set an ambitious objective, seeking to provide continuing strides in
technology and range of care, while also providing excellence in
value.
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1963 – The last part of the original 1887 building is demolished.
1964 - Electronic monitoring in the intensive care setting, the
first in New York State, is introduced.
1969 - 24-hour coverage by full-time Emergency Department
physicians is established, another first in the region. Also the
kidney dialysis unit is opened.
1969 - The L. D. Clute Education Building is dedicated, housing
the School of Nursing and the School of Radiologic Technology.
1970 – First SHOCKMOBILE (said to be the first east of the
Mississippi) is introduced by Arnot Ogden. Mobile ICU marks
beginning of trauma care service.
1970s – The focus is on the development of centers
specializing in cancer, heart disease and newborn intensive
care.
1970 – The Paramedic Training Program in trauma life support
is instituted through the Emergency Department.
1972 - The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is established. The
Neonatal Intensive Care and Dialysis units serve counties
throughout New York State and northern Pennsylvania. The
Neonatal Unit is designated the Area Level III Neonatal Unit by
the State of New York.
1972 - A linear accelerator, technology that provides radiation
therapy for cancer patients, is purchased.
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1972 – The Ivy Building opens – the first medical office building
in Elmira, built by physicians and dedicated to multi-physician
use.
1973 - The first Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory opens.
1974 – Cardiothoracic surgeons perform Arnot Ogden’s first
open-heart surgery.
1977 - Same Day Surgery for elective surgery outpatients
reduces the length of stay for surgery and significantly improves
convenience for patients.
1978 – Arnot Ogden Medical Center Foundation incorporates to
coordinate fundraising for equipment acquisition and program
development at the Hospital.
1978 – Falck Cancer Center is designated by the American
College of Surgeons as a comprehensive cancer center.
1979 – Arnot Ogden purchases CT Scanner.
1980 – Pain Clinic opens at Arnot Ogden
A Regional Referral Center: 1981-1989
By the mid-eighties, Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital had become
known as a regional referral center. We take pride in caring for
patients from twelve counties in New York and Pennsylvania.
Among specialized programs that have grown through the decade
are the cardiac surgical program and catheterization laboratory, our
maternity services and neonatal intensive care nursery, the
hemodialysis and cancer care centers, our dedicated trauma
services program and diagnostic imaging capabilities. The Area
Perinatal Center is new to Arnot Ogden – completing the
comprehensive range of care offered to families of the region.
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1982 - $800,000 upgrade of Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
1985 – Pastoral Care Department is established.
1986 – Independent radiology group brings Mobile Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) services to the Twin Tiers.
1986 – Coronary angioplasty, a non-surgical alternative to
bypass surgery for some patients, introduced in the Cath Lab.
1986 – Emergency Department adds a dedicated trauma
services team, meeting American College of Surgeons
standards for trauma center.
1986 – Full complement of medical lasers enhance the hospital
surgical program.
1986 – Elmira Hospitals Committee begins to study feasibility of
consolidating the Elmira Hospitals.
1987 – A permanent MRI Center is constructed at Arnot Ogden.
1988 – Area Perinatal Center opens to provide high-level
prenatal care and consulting to high-risk mothers-to-be.
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1988 – 100 Anniversary of the Arnot Ogden is celebrated.
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1989 – Merger talks with St. Joseph’s Hospital fail. All
renovation/modernization plans had been put on hold from
1986 - 1989, including a badly needed ICU.
1989 – The Child Day Care Center opens.
Arnot Ogden Builds for the Future: 1990-Present
The most impressive characteristic of Arnot Ogden Medical Center
during this time frame has been its building program. Our main
campus has grown to include almost everything from Ogden
Avenue to Walnut Street and from Roe Avenue to Hart Street.
Clinical computerization is introduced on all Hospital floors. Medical
Office Clinical buildings, dedicated to primary care, are opened in
Big Flats, Erwin, Addison, Spencer, Troy, PA, Canton, PA,
Southport and in Watkins Glen. The Foster House group practice is
acquired. Our Arnot Medical Services group, renamed from
Chemung Medical Services (still their legal name) grows to forty
physicians. Community Wellness programs increase dramatically.
Tele-nurses at Health on Demand help hundreds of callers per day.
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1990 – Arnot Ogden Medical Center is officially designated
as the area Trauma Center by New York State. This
recognizes those facilities with the clinical capabilities to
manage patients who have life-threatening injuries due to a
trauma/accident. Twenty-four hour anesthesia coverage and
designated trauma surgeons are always available.
1990 – Renovations are made to Finger Lakes Heart Institute
(new name for cardiac services.)
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1991 – The Falck Cancer Center and the Health Center for
Women both open.
1991 – The name “Medical Center” is adopted to reflect the
range of services offered to the Twin Tiers.
1994 – Renovations are made to the Emergency Department
1994 – Health on Demand is instituted.
1996 - The new E-Wing adds a state-of-the-art Intensive Care
Unit, modern ambulatory surgical and endoscopy environments,
expanded radiology and laboratory quarters and a new
conference center.
1996 – Foster House Group becomes known as Arnot Medical
Services.
1999 – An outpatient dialysis center opens in Pulbridge Plaza,
Corning
1999 - Further renovations are made to the Finger Lakes Heart
Institute.
1999 – New Day Massage becomes a part of Arnot Ogden.
2000 – Horseheads Medical Office Building opens. Arnot
Medical Service Primary Care Offices are located there,.
Radiology – PETscanning (Positron Emission Tomography) Lab services and Outpatient Physical Therapy are offered.
2003 – Ivy II Medical Office Building opens with offices for
primary care physicians, dialysis for outpatients and the Center
for Wound Healing.
In 2004 outpatient Physical Therapy moves into Ivy II.
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2003 – Groundbreaking is held for the new
Schweizer Pavilion
This wing of the Arnot Ogden Medical Center
is named in tribute to
Margaret “Peggy” Hardy Schweizer,
and William “Bill” Schweizer
Peggy Schweizer was a longtime Arnot Ogden Volunteer and her
husband, Bill, an Arnot Ogden Hospital Board Member and Past
Chairman of the Board.
This $30,000,000 project will allow the hospital to:
§ Replace and expand the Operating Suite, modernizing
technology and equipment to support the OR environment.
§ Expand the Emergency Department to include development of a
larger Fast Track Clinic.
§ Expand and enlarge the Labor & Delivery areas to include all
new: Labor and Delivery Rooms, Recovery area for Labor and
Delivery, two high risk rooms, two C-section rooms, Nursery for
newborns, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
§ Establish a mobile docking system for future medical
technologies.
§ Develop a new inpatient area for acute and chronic dialysis
patients.
THE AUXILIARY HAS PLEDGED
$500,000
TO THE SCHWEIZER PAVILION.
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Volunteers All!
Though not members of the Auxiliary, we recognize these men for
their dedication to Arnot Ogden and for the guidance and service
they have given over the years. Their names read like a “Who’s
Who” of Elmira city leaders. If we could add their volunteer hours to
the hours of our Auxiliary members, the total would be astronomical.
We salute them!
Arnot Ogden Board Presidents:
Matthias H. Arnot
Francis Hall
George M. Diven
Z.R. Brockway
E.E. Buchanan
Alexander S. Diven
Alexander D. Falck
Leslie D. Clute
John G. Copley
Boyd McDowell, II
1888-1889
1890-1901
1902-1903
1904-1917
1918-1934
1935-1945
1946-1948
1949-1973
1973-1979
1979-1981
In 1981 the name President was changed to Board Chairman:
Boyd McDowell,II
William Schweizer
Edward B. Hoffman
Ben E. Lynch
Daniel J. Burke
Donald R. Peterson
Jan P. Updegraff
1981-1983
1983-1987
1987-1991
1991-1995
1995-1999
1999-2003
2003-present
When the President of the Board of Managers was renamed Board
Chairman, the title of President was given to Robert T. Jones who
had served as Hospital Administrator for thirty years. Since that
time the title of President and CEO has been assumed by:
Robert T. Jones
Dallas K. Larson
Anthony J. Cooper
1981-1983
1983-1986
1986-present
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Bits and Pieces of History
As we were putting this booklet together, items of Hospital history
came to us that probably won’t be found in any of the books.
Because we found them interesting and think they should be
remembered, we’re including them here.
Paradise Hospital
For several years circa 1916-1918, the maternity services at the
Arnot-Ogden were moved to a facility operated by a Mrs. Paradise
at 1005 Walnut Street. The delivery room was located on the top
floor of the house and had a ceiling made of many glass windows.
The steps to reach that room were very steep, and it must have
been very stressful for the mothers-to-be as they climbed those
stairs.
We are told that due to construction on the maternity unit at the
Hospital and the fact that nurses were quartered on the top floor,
space was at a premium and so the move was necessary.
The building was later purchased by Dr. Samuel Seafuse to be used
for his home and his office.
Memories of a Patient
A ninety-two year old patient shared memories with a Patient
Service Representative. She stated that as a child she lived on
Fitch Street, directly across from the hospital. The Hospital
grounds, she said, were the playground for her and her sister.
There was a good size pond behind the Hospital, and during the
winter, when it froze, it was a favorite place to go ice-skating.
She spoke of the wide curving driveway and the beautiful trees.
She and her sister sold cookies to the men who worked in the
maintenance shop and played in the ambulances that were kept on
the grounds. (She called them hearses.)
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When they were about ten and eleven years old, they noticed a
bird’s nest, and by climbing an outside stairway attached to the
Hospital they could look into the nest. They did just that, but as they
checked the nest, a patient motioned for them to come into the
hospital. They climbed in through a window and spent a good part
of the day there. It was during World War I, and staffing was very
limited. She went on to say that they brought water to patients,
found blankets for them and on two occasions even helped patients
get off of bed pans.
Strangely, it turned out that her grandfather was Dr. Seafuse, and
for a number of years she and her family lived at 1005 Walnut
Street, which had once been Paradise Hospital.
The Cadet Corps
During World War II, it was difficult to recruit student nurses as
factory jobs paid so well. The government established a Cadet
Corps for student nurses, providing them with uniforms and paying
them at first $10 a month and then $15 a month in their senior year.
In turn, if the country was still at war, they would promise to enlist for
two years. The extra spending money was the incentive and
enrollment went up.
The amount these cadet nurses received each month appears trivial
in today’s market, but consider the following:
In 1944-1947, the price of a
hospital bed, including
medicine was
$3.50 a day in a ward …
$5.00 a day in a semi-private
room…
$10.00 a day in a private room.
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A Cottage for Contagious Diseases
Many people seem to know that there was an “Isolation” Cottage,
but few have any other information about it. This 7- bed cottage
was built in 1890 to care for patients with contagious diseases while
protecting those in the hospital. We did find a sketch of the cottage,
painted by Martha Greenough in 1928 and donated to the hospital
at the time of her death in 1998 at age 103.
Mrs. Greenough had marked on the picture that the cottage was in
the northwest corner of the Hospital property. (This would be near
the old emergency room entrance. Tennis courts were just beyond.)
We wanted to reproduce the picture here, but this was impossible,
so you’ll have to use your imagination to see the cottage as brick
red with a silvery roof. She doesn’t show any windows. Perhaps
they’re on another side. Perhaps it was designed so germs could
be kept within.
In the mid 1900s typhoid and flu epidemics were raging, and there
was an outbreak of tuberculosis. For the latter, many patients were
probably sent to Gleason Sanitarium. One volunteer tells us that
she had polio in 1930, but was treated within the Hospital and not in
the cottage. Another volunteer recalls that children who had
whooping cough, chicken pox or measles were cared for in the
cottage. This was before the days of antibiotics.
The cottage remained standing into the 1950s, but was no longer
used for the original purpose. We are told that dietary workers,
between their shifts, would use it for rest and relaxation. It was
converted to a residence for interns and for its last use to a cottage
for the engineer and his family, who resided on the hospital
grounds.
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Acknowledgments
At last this book is ready to go to press. It’s been a labor of love
that has required the use of much “midnight oil,” reams of paper,
three ink cartridges for the printer, overflowing waste baskets, and
daily frustration as the writer and computer can’t seem to agree on
the way this should be written.
I want to express special thanks to Sue Van Sickle, the Manager of
Volunteer Services. Without her help, this project never would have
been completed. She spent endless hours proofing, editing, making
suggestions, helping to select pictures, and all in all acting as
mentor, friend and morale booster.
Erika Gray, a senior in the School of Communications at Ithaca
College, has been serving as an intern with the Arnot Ogden Public
Relations Department. Val Gray, her father, is a former Vice
President of the Hospital. Her computer skills have been invaluable
to us as she inserted pictures in the text and helped finalize this
booklet. She was also very helpful in preparing the PowerPoint
presentation for our 50th Celebration.
Special thanks to: Susan Reynolds, Director of Development;
Carolyn Handrick, Assistant Director of Community Relations and
Public Affairs; Anthony Cooper, CEO; Roy Munson, of the Print
Shop, for his assistance and enthusiastic support; my daughter,
Sally MacPherson Davis for scanning hundreds of pictures; Ralph
Miller for scanning additional pictures; John Stewart for his research
and my husband, for putting up with my crazy schedule.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our celebration, and that you will find this
history interesting and informative.
Marge MacPherson
Marge has thanked everyone else, but she is the one to whom we
owe the greatest thanks. Marge is a long-time leader of the
Auxiliary, as President, chair of major fundraisers, on-going
coordinator of our poison prevention program, devoted Patient
Service Representative and much more. She is a talented and
enthusiastic cheerleader for Arnot Ogden and for our Auxiliary. We
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have been extremely fortunate to have her coordinating our 50
Anniversary Celebration, including researching and editing this 50year history. It was a labor of love meant to record that the
Auxiliary’s strength has always been its wealth of caring people.
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A Photo Tribute
…a few of the volunteers who have contributed to
50 Years of Caring
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Our 50 booklet ends… our service continues!
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